USA
June 25, 2014

For the fourth year, the Aflatoxin Mitigation Center of Excellence Research Program is offering grants to researchers for projects focused on solving aflatoxin issues. The grants have been structured by southern corn checkoff boards to favor research teams that include researchers from multiple universities, USDA research centers and states.

Texas corn grower Charles Ring chairs the program’s steering committee. “AMCOE’s goal is to leverage the dollars for solving the aflatoxin issues through the development of strong regional teams competing for federal, public and private grants,” said Ring. “Preference will be given to pre-proposals based upon criteria demonstrating potential to develop, evaluate and transfer new technologies to corn producers, the team or individual investigator ability to leverage AMCOE funds, the qualifications of the principal investigator or interdisciplinary team, and a focus on a priority area.”

AMCOE funding in 2015 will focus on seven research priority areas for corn. These areas include biological control, especially atoxigenic strain development and deployment technology and increased utilization; transgenic modification for improved aflatoxin resistance; breeding for aflatoxin resistance; amelioration technology for aflatoxin-contaminated grain; best management strategies for reducing aflatoxin; improved testing procedures; and improved information transfer such as extension services and cell phone applications.

Submissions should not exceed an annual funding request of $100,000 and should provide a clearly identified principal investigator.

Pre-proposals are due no later than July 31. Visit NCGA’s website for more information on the review process, evaluation criteria and program.

Website: http://www.ncga.com

Published: June 25, 2014